A criminal justice major, Clark maintains a 3.56 grade point average. The senior is the first Blue Hen baseball player to be honored on the CoSIDA District 2 team since Doug Eitelman in 2002.

“Jake has done an outstanding job on the field and in the classroom,” said University of Delaware head baseball coach Jim Sherman. “He truly defines the meaning of what makes a student-athlete. He takes great pride in his academics and is a great example to all our underclassman in how to balance playing a college sport on the Division I level and being a great student."

While Clark has excelled in the classroom, he has also performed well on the field. The infielder is batting .248 with eight doubles, one home run, and 15 RBI this season.

To be eligible for the award, student-athletes must carry a 3.3 or better grade point average and be a starter or key reserve. Candidates also must complete at least one full academic year at the nominating institution and have at least sophomore eligibility. The teams are selected by a vote of sports information directors.

District 2 includes all NCAA Division I schools in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, and Kentucky.

Clark attended Cypress Junior College in California before transferring to the University of Delaware before his junior season.

“This is a great honor for me. I've been in college for five years and success as a student-athlete is all about time management,” said Clark. “A lot is asked of student-athletes in the classroom and on the playing field, so if you get behind it can be overwhelming. I have prided myself on work ethic and my ability to find a balance between academics and baseball."

This is not the first time Clark has been recognized for his academic prowess. Last season, Clark was named to the Colonial Athletic Association Academic Honor Roll and was also selected to the National College Athlete Honor Society.

The University of Delaware baseball team currently boasts a 21-21 record and will next be in action Tuesday for a road contest against Saint Joseph’s. First pitch is slated for 3 p.m.